Year in and year out Liberian media institutions are replete with stories of broad daylight stealing of Liberian Community organizations’ money. Those entrusted with public office willfully steal their Members’ money for various reasons including, but not limited to meeting their social needs.

The latest suspected theft is Solomon Nyonbeor Tardey, who allegedly stole nearly six thousand fifty two dollars eleven cents (US$6,052.11) of the Konobo Statutory District Association (KSDA) Members’ money.

The thirty six year old Tardey, was recently elected with flying colors by bona fide dues paying Members of KSDA, who had hoped they were electing a young, abrasive Grand Gedean who was prepared to move the organization forward.

Unfortunately, no latter did they know they were electing a reported composite liar and an alleged notorious theft, who was prepared to go to any length, to satisfy his social desire and meet his financial needs with money he did not earn nor deserve.

That money could have been used for other developmental purposes. It was not intended to meet the personal needs of Solomon Tardey, at the expense of the hard working people of the Konobo Statutory District Association here in the United States.

That money could have also been used to meet some of the needs of the District’s Teachers, who are making sacrifices, by impacting knowledge in the youth of the District in Grand Gedeh in the Republic of Liberia.

This is why, the Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), undoubtedly stands behind the KSDA’s national leadership, most especially the National Board and the Quaye Special Task Force (STF).

We firmly stand by these two organs’ unwavering resolve to retrieve every stolen penny of the Konobo Statutory District Association (KSDA), through every possible judicial means.

The Editorial Staff of the IEN wishes to make it unequivocally clear that the admission of guilt for the commission of a crime does not in any way vindicate the suspect or his accomplice(s).

If anybody willfully betrays the trust and violate the law, he/she must be prepared to bear the full weight of the law, for the consequences of the act committed, even after the stolen item is retrieved and an apology offered.

Therefore, the admission by Solomon Tardey through writing that indeed he stole KSDA’s money, does not preclude (clear) him from being held culprit able for the alleged crime committed.

He made a very conscious decision to steal and must be made to face the full consequences of the choice he made by knowingly taking what did not legally belong to him personally.

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News believes that the only reason the KSDA National Leadership is insisting on using the legal means in getting its money back, is because the money was not loan to Solomon Tardey. It was allegedly stolen by him, under the color of darkness.

This is why the Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News agrees with the KSDA National Board and the Special Task Force, that there must be some legal mechanism in place to retrieve the stolen money.

There is no doubt, Tardey has proven beyond a reasonable doubt, that indeed he is not a trust worthy individual to do business with. The Editorial Staff of the IEN believes, Tardey’s so-called repayment scheme in nothing but another attempt to blackmail KSDA.

From his past demonstrated behavior, we have no reason to believe that the Konobo Statutory District Association should enter into any “UNWRITTEN GENTLEMAN AGREEMENT” with him (Tardey), because there is no guarantee of repayment.

Besides, there is no mechanism through which Tardey could be held accountable, if he defaults on his so-called proposed re-payment arrangement, over a four month period at his own appointed time.

What Tardey fails to realize and understand is that he has allegedly committed the crime of misdemeanor (felony), for which he deserves to be treated as such. Right now, we believe he belongs behind bars, pending his trial.

He should not be rooming the streets and trying to blackmail KSDA again, by proposing a bogus deal and sharing Crocodile or alligator tears only to win public sympathy for his alleged criminal behavior.

On the flip side however, while the Editorial Staff of the IEN is very apprehensive about Tardey’s trustworthiness, it wishes to use this medium to appeal to the Boley KSDA National Board, not to shut the door to any ‘LEGAL OUT OF COURT SETTLEMENT,’ in its attempts to retrieving the Association’s money.

Our appeal is contingent on the fact that there is also a long list of suspects who, after allegedly stealing the community’s money, make it appear as though they are only owing their respective organizations.

We challenge them to adduce copies of loan agreements enter into by and between them and their respective organizations that qualify them as debtors.

The list includes, but not limited to the following individuals within our community, who are still rooming the streets including: Solomon Nyonbeor Tardey, (US$6, 052.11), Henry Z. Kyne, (US$4, 055.00), David Gbortoe, (US$1, 520.00).

Others are; Arthur Kannah, (US$1, 400.00) Philip Chea (US$1,400.00), Fred Tarlue Tarlue Gwyan, (US$1,000.00) and Paye Dennis, (US$600.00). These individuals and the amounts set opposite their names are due to the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas (GGAA).

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News, is therefore calling on this organizations’ current leadership to muster the courage and  ‘PROSECUTE THEM,’ if they refuse to cooperate by paying back what is legitimately due the GGAA.

Meanwhile, the “YEAR 2011 IN REVIEW,” covering the life span of the Independent Eye News since its birth in August of this year, will be published shortly. Watch out for it!

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) from our readership to any of our publications. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), IS THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), WWW.INDEYE.ORG

TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM-(763) 226-3634-CELL

Perhaps one of the more thought-provoking questions in the Bible is that one asked by Cain: Cain had killed his brother because God had accepted Abel’s offering, but not his own. When the Lord inquirwed concerning Abel, Cain respomse was, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

Am I my brother’s keeper?

This is the question we would do well to ask ourselves during the ensuing New Year, as members of Gborho Ahmuyan, residing here in the United States.

a. Are we our brother’s keeper?

b. Do we have a responsibility to watch out and care for one another, especially at a time when we need each other the most?

Fourteen years of civil war have taught us the need to lookout for each other, love and care for each other. Krahns in Liberia have suffered so much over the years, especially members of the Gborho Chiefdom.

Is this the time to make other members of our organization to feel less Gborho, is this the time to reject other simply because their mothers are from tribes other than that of Gborho, is this the time to discriminate against others, because they cannot speak Gborho and is this the time for us to talk about constitutional issues, when on previous occasions we ignored constitutional requirements, in order to address urgent matters paramount to the operation of our organization?

I have interacted with various organizations both here in the United States and at home in Liberia. Never have I seen this level of hatred that is directed towards the new leadership of Ahmuyan by a few in Ahmuyan.

The issue of leadership was settled in Philadelphia months ago, when the chairman of the Council of Elders, Mr. Gaye, requested that the outgoing leadership of Mr. Alfred Layee, turn documents over to Mrs. Alfreda Chea Morris, for onward submission to the new president, Mrs. Edwina Taye Willie. The issue of leadership was settled.

To hear that some elements within the organization are thinking about setting up another leadership, it is shameful, disgraceful and a negative reflection on the integrity of the organization. And thank God, this initiative failed miserably in Philadelphia.

The new leadership is determined to work hard. It has put in place programs that are essential for the generating of funds needed to carryout meaningful projects in Gborho.

For example, plans are under way to supply a generator to Zai Town High School, providing monthly stipends to the three college graduates assigned to teach at the high school, and providing housing in Zai Town to accommodate the principal and vice principal respectively. In fact, payments have been made to house the three college graduates in Zai Town High School; these teachers are currently residing within said housing facility.

In fact, it was through the negotiating initiatives of the new leadership, that these three teachers were taken to Zai Town High School. About 400 copies of notebooks have been sent to the Gborho School System by Mrs. Edwina Taye Willie. We should commend the new leadership for these initiatives; they are endeavoring to move our association to a higher level.

To say that Ahmuyan is a family club and to continue to discriminate against each other, contradicts the principles of Ahmuyan. But sadly, some elders are part and parcel of this conspiracy to undermine the new leadership. Some elders contend, “These girls are our daughters”. Is this the way to treat one’s daughters?

We need to count our blessings; members of the current leadership, over the years, have worked hard to achieve both academically and professionally. They don’t need us to express their individuality, but we need them. We need their skills and expertise, and perhaps their connections.

They affiliate with other organizations here in the United States. They are not limited to only Grand Gedian organizations; they reach out to other organizations.

They don’t operate in a box, they have a wider audience and this is the type of leadership Ahmuyan needs now at this point in time. Yes, some of them have not been active in the past, but we need their skills and organizational experience to help move our organization forward. As the kids will say: “don’t hate, appreciate.”

The real test of our responsibility for each other is when we are all feeling down, all feeling vulnerable, and all feeling poorer than we were until a short time ago.

That’s when we discover if our willingness to care for others is simply a matter of allowing them to sop up the overflow of our own good fortune, or a reflection of our commitment to care for those with less than ourselves because it’s our responsibility to help. Let’s strive to welcome our sisters and brothers back to the core of our organizations. They have answered the call to service; let us help them, in order for them to help us.

We are obligated as members of Ahmuyan to do as much as we can to encourage all our brothers and sisters to be a part of us; they too have suffered over the years. They too have suffered discrimination, because their fathers or mothers are Krahns.

We need to welcome as many as we can, not because it’s a nice thing to do, but because it’s the right thing to do. It’s one of the greatest affirmations of both our own dignity and that of those who need us.

In the end, that is what answering’ yes’ to the oldest human question in the Bible is all about. We are indeed our brothers’ keepers. This must be our new year’s resolution; let us embrace the new leadership and move Gborho Ahmuyan forward.

Mr. Edmund Zar-Zar Bargblor is a member of the Council of Elders of Gborho Ahmuyan. He is also Chairman of the Board of Directors, Rhode Island Chapter, and member of the National Board, Grand Gedeh Association.

He was once Chairman of the National Board of Directors, GGAA during the 1990’s. He is former Grand Knight, Knights of Columbus for six years and former vice president of Liberian Community Association of Rhode Island for four years. President of the African Catholic Community of RI for six years. He has written several articles on Liberian and professional issues.

By: Edmund Zarzar Bargblor

Zbargblor@aol.com

A US Based Liberian Journalist has described President Johnson -Sirleaf recent termination of the former Minister of Information, Culture Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT), Cletus Sieh as “selective justice.”

Mr. Moses D. Sandy, former Editor-in-Chief of the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) said the President’s decision to fire former Minister Sieh in the wake of the December of 22, 2011

Monrovia students riot while the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) acting Mayor Mary Broh and Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan, whose failure to exercise due diligence in the recruitment and compensation of the over 20 thousand students hired by the MCC for vacation jobs go unpunished, which he described as bias.

A press release quoting Mr. Sandy said while he, like most Liberians was not privy to the natty gritty of the behind the scene discussions that led to the Liberian Government ex-Chief Spokesman’s dismissal, the justification President Sirleaf gave for letting him go sounds comical.

According to media reports, the President terminated Mr. Sieh’s services on December 24, 2011 for what she called his indiscretion in the manner he handled security information relating to the Monrovia unrest by vacation job students.

The report further said the former Minister blundered when he at a news conference hosted in Monrovia, announced the lifting of a dusk to dawn curfew earlier imposed by the government. His statement according to reports quoting the Executive Mansion annoyed President Sirleaf, who claimed the former Minister’s pronouncement was unilateral.

Mr. Sandy said it is incomprehensible for President Sirleaf, who has over the years gained local and international prominence for championing the cause of social justice in Liberia, would elect to literally sacrifice the former Minister just to save face politically.

He said the Liberian government chose to scapegoat the former Minister for a crisis situation, which he had little or no control over while acting City Mayor Broh and Finance Minister Ngafuan, whose inadequate managerial skills that laid the basis for the students’ riot remained untouched.

In the wake of the crisis, media reports noted, President Sirleaf is reported to have scolded Minister Ngafuan and acting Mayor Broh for the inefficient manner they handled the hiring and payment of the students. Mr. Sandy said granted that the ex-Chief Spokesman acted unilaterally, the magnitude of his action was “the lesser of the two evils.”

He said “if acting Mayor Broh, who was the chief architect of the vacation jobs initiative was let-off the hook, then, President Sirleaf should have given similar opportunity to the former Information Minister.”

The former LBS Editor-in-Chief, who currently coordinates activities of the US based Liberian Press Corps said even though President Sirleaf has the Executive Power, to hire and fire at will, she must utilize such authority with fairness taking into consideration the principle of distributive justice.

He noted the President has the moral and constitutional obligations to ensure that all Liberians regardless of political connections, sex, religion, and socio-economic status are given equal protection under the laws. Journalist Sandy said acting Mayor Broh and Finance Minister Ngafuan are not more Liberian than Mr. Sieh.

Sandy opined that after more than a decade of successive civil wars, which claimed the lives of thousands of Liberians and the destruction of millions of dollars worth of properties, President Sirleaf and insiders of her government cannot afford to revert to the same culture of impunity and bad governance, which gave rise to Liberia’s woes of the past.

The US based Liberian Journalist reminded President Sirleaf to take cognizant of the fact that as one of this year’s female Nobel Peace Prize winner for her non-violent struggle for the safety of women and women’s rights, she is being keenly watch.

While she advocated for women to fully participate in peace-building work, Liberians and the peoples of the world are tracking all of her political actions and pronouncements, especially on matters that concern human rights with keen interest.

Meanwhile, Mr. Sandy is calling on the Liberian government to prosecute the ring leaders of the Monrovia students riot for the harm caused the nation’s economy.

Mr Sandy said despite the poor performance of acting Mayor Broh and the MCC authority in supervising and coordinating the controversial vacation job project, the action of the students was equally unwarranted and unfortunate.

Sandy argued that the reported shady deals by the MCC supervisors and administrators in the hiring of students for vacation jobs and the failure of the government to pay them on time do not constitute any basis for such disorderly conduct.

Mr. Sandy stressed that those who willfully opted to vandalize government and private properties must be held accountable. He recommended the prosecution of the perpetrators of the Monrovia unrest.

BY: IEN STAFF WRITER

It seems as though Liberia’s former Information Minister, Cletus Sieh has become the first political casualty, for been fired from his post, by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, since her re-election for a second six-year term.

Mr. Sieh was fired recently by President Johnson-Sirleaf, contrary to her previous leadership style of quietly urging officials within her government usually accused of corruption to resign and take their loot with them and go with impunity.

Political Observers note that President Johnson-Sirleaf’’s previous leadership style of quietly asking her cabinet and other parastral officials to resign, apparently to avoid blemishing their reputation, did not obtain in Mr. Cletus Sieh’s case.

Unfortunately for him, he got the boot from his boss, the President of the Republic, because she seemingly did not like the manner in which the Government’s former Mouth-Piece handled information described as “security information” regarding the students’ pay situation.

It was different this time around, Mr. Sieh was fired for what was referred to as his “failure to follow instruction” surrounding the latest violence in the Liberian Capital, Monrovia, involving student’s pay for vacation work they did.

According to a Foreign Ministry/Executive Mansion news release, Mr. Sieh was also fired because of what was described as his “indiscretion.” NOTE: President Johnson-Sirleaf runs her government from the Foreign Ministry.

An Independent Eye News (IEN), Correspondent currently visiting Liberia says the main reason for Mr. Sieh’s dismissal was a news conference he conducted on Saturday, December 24, at which time he reportedly gave conflicting statements.

The former Information Minster informed the public that the curfew imposed by government of Friday, December 23, to curb the sometime violent demonstration by the students at the time, has been lifted, which was said not to be the case.

It all started when thousands of students were apparently lied to by the government concerning a date for their payment which they did not receive, for vacation jobs they did.

The students were told to assemble at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium for their pay, which they did on Friday, December 24, but no official either from the Ministry of Finance or the Monrovia City Corporation, show up to pay them as promised.

As a result, they (students) took to the streets in protest to demonstrate as a way of mounting intense pressure on the Liberian government, to ensure they got their pay in time for the Chrismas holiday.

Meanwhile, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has designated Mr. Jerolinmek Piah, Deputy Minister/Public Affairs at the Ministry of Information, to preside over the affairs of the Ministry as acting Minister.

The president was also said to be displeased with Finance Minister, Augustine Gbahe Ngafuan and Monrovia’s Acting City Mayor, Mary Broh for the manner in which they also handled the students’ payment issue.

Unfortunately however, President Johnson-Sirleaf took no public action against them for their role which apparently caused the situation to sparrow out of control for nearly three days, thus plunging the city into chaos again.

The jobs for students during this year’s vacation were being handled by the Monrovia City Corporation, while the Finance Ministry was said to be responsible for the payment aspect of the scheme.

It was reported that names of people who did not worked, were placed on the list for payment as well, a situation which further exacerbated the already tense atmosphere, thus nearly bringing Monrovia City to its needs again.

Latest report from the Liberian Capital Monrovia, says the curfew for which former Information Minister, Mr. Cletus Sieh lost his job, has now been lifted, thereby making the residents of Monrovia, to breath a air of relieve again by going about their normal business.

Meanwhile, the “YEAR 2011 IN REVIEW,” covering the life span of the Independent Eye News since its birth in August of this year, will be published shortly. Watch out for it!

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) from our readership to any of our publications. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), IS THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), WWW.INDEYE.ORG

TNYENON59@YAHOOCOM-(763) 226-3634-CELL

In the wake of the unwavering resolve by the National Board of Directors of the Konobo Statutory District Association (KSDA), to recover every Penney allegedly stolen from its account, the prime suspect, Solomon Nyonbior Tardey has admitted to stealing the money and has apologized.

The Nyonbeor Al Boley National Board of KSDA on Saturday, December 24, fired Solomon Tardey as National President, with immediate effect. Tardey allegedly stole almost six thousand fifty two United States dollar eleven cents (US$6,052.11) of the Association’s money.

However, in his letter of admission dated Sunday, December 27 and addressed to KSDA’s National Board Chairman, Al Boley, Tardey referred to his tendency to steal as an “UN-JUBILANT SITUATION.”

In the four paragraph letter, copy of which is in the possession of the Independent Eye News (IRN), Tardey again referred to his alleged act of stealing the Konobo Statutory District Association’s money as a “MISTAKE.”

Tardey also described his stealing habit of the Association’s money in less than two months after assuming office as National President of KSDA as “MISMANAGEMENT.”

He described his egregious act as an “AWKWARD and UNFORTUNATE” situation and expressed the hope that he can be of assistance in correcting his mistake and resolving the matter.

He further described the act as an “UNFORTUNATE EXPERIENCE” which according to him, if there is any good thing that came out of it, he has grown and has learned alternate approaches to this situation.

Tardey pointed out that while he has caused what he again described as an “UNPLEASANT EXPERIENCE,” he is now able to see where he went wrong, even though KSDA’s money has been mismanaged under a short period of time.

Tardey then appealed to the Konobo Statutory District Citizens for forgiveness this time around adding, that he believes acquiring this insight will allow him to learn, grow and prevent similar issue in the future.

Meanwhile, Solomon Tardey has proposed to make payment installments over a four month period, starting the third week in January through the end of April, 2012. He however failed to state the exact amount he intents to pay over the period.

He pledged to immediately turnover all of the Association’s documents still in his possession, indicating that if his proposal meets the approval of the National Board, he will make the turnover to his successor during the Board’s next meeting.

For the benefit of our readership, the Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News, has decided to publish Tardey’s letter in its entirety verbatim. The letter reads thus:

“Dear KSDA Board Chairman, I owe the Konobo Statutory District Association in the Americas a sincere apology for the un-jubilant situation I caused everybody today. Please accept my deepest apologies for my mistake in regard to the mismanagement of the finance for the KSDA.”

“It was never my intention to create such an awkward and unfortunate situation. I hope that I can be of assistance in correcting my mistake and resolving the matter. “

“If there was any good that came out of this unfortunate experience, it is that I have grown and learned alternate approaches to these situations. I will like to begin with the payment installments starting of the third week in January to the ending of April, 2012.”

“While I have caused this unpleasant experience, I am able to see where I went wrong. Even though the money/finance of KSDA has been mismanaged under the short time period, but however I need you to forgive me for this time.”

“I believe acquiring this insight will allow me to learn and grow and prevent similar issues in the future.”

“Immediately, during your next meeting schedule, if there is any conclusion from your lovely office/desk, then every document will be turnover to my successor.” Please feel free to let me know of your thoughts and concerns over this matter.

You can reach me at tardeybob@yahoo.com or (816) 730-1557. Best regard, Sincerely yours, Mr. Solomon Nyonbeor Tardey. The letter concluded.

However, in an exclusive interview with the Independent Eye News on Wednesday, December 28, in reaction to Tardey’s letter of apology, Chairman Boley remains firmed, saying the National leadership of KSDA remains resolved to retrieve every stolen penny of the Association.

He said although Tardey’s letter was immediately forwarded to the Quaye Special Task Force (STF), that Force remains equally resolved to retrieve the Association money through legal means, an apparent reference to the U.S Judicial system.

He said he was informed by the Committee and all four chapters President that its mandate will be executed to the letter and will make a full report to the National Board on Sunday, January 8, 2012. The report will contain the final determination of Tardey’s fate and specifically how KSDA will retrieve its money through the legal system.

It may be recalled that in our Monday, December 26 edition, we carried a story under the caption, “KSDA BOARD FIRES PRES. TARDEY.” In the story we quoted KSDA National Board Chairman Nyonbeor Al Boley, as vowing to ensure Solomon Tardey is brought to justice and repays KSDA’s money in full.

Meanwhile the “YEAR 2011 IN REVIEW,” covering the life span of the Independent Eye News since its birth in August this year, will be published shortly. Watch out for it!

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) from our readership to any of our publications. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), IS THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), WWW.INDEYE.ORG

TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM-(763) 226-3634-CELL

Montserrado County Senior Senator, Joyce Musu Freeman-Sumo has listed President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Mr. Cletus Watterson, Senate President Pro-Tempore and Nimba County Junior Senator-elect, Thomas Grupee, among others, as American Citizens within the Liberian Government.

Senator Sumo said, “I know this information to be true because I did my research and got reliable information on all these people.” She further noted, “besides these individuals there are other Liberians in the government who are still paying mortgages and taxes to the U.S government.”

The Montserrado County Senior Senator, who is also widely known as Montserrado One, complained that she has got no cooperation from the offices of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf as well as the Montserrado County Superintendent.”

The Senator revealed, “I suspect all of these things are going on simply because I am from the main opposition political party, the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC).” She disclosed that “it is tough to work in the Liberian Government especially when you are from the opposition party.”

The Montserrado County Senior Senator opined that “the behavior of some of the officials within the Johnson-Sirleaf Administration, is a clear design to undermine my efforts and make it appear like I am incompetent in the eyes of my constituency, but I wil remain very vocal.”

She observed that “Members of the ruling Unity Party should realize that Liberia is bigger than any of these political parties as such, I hope this trend will change this time around during President Johnson-Sirleaf’s second term.”

Senator Sumo warned that “during the second tenure of President Johnson-Sirleaf, I will not stand by and allow the Executive to marginalize me because I will fight back, because I equally have a responsibility to my constituency and the entire Republic.”

“Although I was elected on the ticket of the main opposition political party, the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), I don’t go around telling people I am a CDC Senator. I tell people, I am a Liberian Senator.” She declared.

The Montserrado County Senior Senator revealed, “since my election to the Liberian Senate, I have being trying to construct a fourteen classroom school building, but have got no cooperation from the central government.”

“As a result,” she continue, “I decided to do it at my own expense.” She recounted. Senator Sumo disclosed by saying, “I am currently undertaking the construction of a six bedroom clinic again without the cooperation of the Johnson-Sirleaf Administration.”

“The unfortunate thing about this whole situation is that the money for all these projects has been appropriated by the Legislature, so I’m wondering why these projects are not being funded?” She regretably questioned.

Senator Sumo also disclosed that, “despite all of these difficulties I am encountering with the Johnson-Sirleaf Administration, I have a personal scholarship program which benefits one hundred eighty six (186) Liberian students.”

The Montserrat County Legislator revealed, “my scholarship program covers students ranging from elementary through college level education and I think this a very worthy investment for the Liberia youth.” She concluded.

Meanwhile, the “YEAR 2011 IN REVIEW,” covering the life span of the Independent Eye News since its birth in August this year, will be published shortly. Watch out for it!

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), welcomes feedback from our readership. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), IS THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), WWWINDEYE.ORG

 TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM-(763) 2263634-CELL

Barely twenty seven days after his induction into office as National President of the Komobo Statutory District Association (KSDA), Mr. Solomon Nyonboir Tardey, has been fired as President, with immediate effect.

KSDA’s National Board took the decision after an investigation reportedly established that the former National President, allegedly stole nearly all of the Association’s money from its account.

The account which was being held at the Bank of America was in the total sum of six thousand fifty two United States dollars eleven cents (US$6,052.11), which was entrusted into his care, as the next National President of KSDA.

The KSDA National Board took the decision to fire Tardey on Friday, December 24 following his suspension a night before during a mass teleconference on Friday, December 23, at which time he was confronted about his stealing allegation.

Meanwhile, KSDA’s National Board under the leadership of Mr. Nyonbior Al Boley, has selected Mr. John Jallahyou, Jr., General-Secretary of the Association to serve as Interim President until otherwise advised.

The Board also designated one of the Association’s former National Presidents, Arthur Quaye to chair a Special Task Force (STF), to pursue Mr. Solomon Tardey by ensuring KSDA’s stolen money is fully recovered.

Quaye, who is widely known in the Grand Gedeh Community as a no-nonsense gentleman, told the Independent Eye News (IEN), ”Mr. Tardey will not go Scott free.” He however assured that “Tardey will be given his day in court.”

An investigation by the IEN revealed that it all started when KSDA’s National Board Chairman, Al Boley using his constitutional authority and following the tradition of KSDA, requested monthly bank statements from President Tardey. It is however unknown what tipped the Chairman off.

Howbeit, seemingly mindful of what he has already done to the Association’s money and like a deer caught in a hunter’s headlight, Tardey reportedly became concern about Chairman Boley’s request and decided not to cooperate, by submitting the requested bank statements.

However, determined to get to the bottom of his suspicion and armed with his constitutional authority, Chairman Boley became even more resilient and decided to pursue the matter further by dealing directly with the Bank of America, where KSDA holds its account. The Bank, obviously demanded authentication from Chairman Boley, since he is not a signatory to the account.

Boley reportedly provided all the necessary documentation including witnesses to establish his source of authority, before any information could be released to him concerning the Association’s account.

According to an Independent Eye News investigation, after meeting all of the bank’s requirements, it (Bank) faxed all the requested documents to Chairman Boley, who realized that his suspicion was not in futility.

The Chairman discovered that former President Tardey has nearly depleted KSDA’s account, which was based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but was transferred to Missouri, on Wednesday, October 19, where the then new President, now suspect Tardey lives.

Chairman Boley then forwarded the documents to former President Tardey for verification. The documents, copies of which are also in the possession of the IEN, reflected numerous withdrawals from KSDA’s account without the knowledge of anybody except Solomon Tardey.

At one point, Tardey made numurous withdrawals totaling one thousand three hundred (US$1,300.00) United States dollars, from the Association’s account, using an Automatic Transfer Machine (ATM) card, on one day alone.

When confronted, Tardey could not provide any justification for his action as a result, Chairman Boley convened a mass teleconference on Friday, December 23, where Tardey was suspended from office for time indefinite with immediate effect, because of his failure to account.

On Saturday, December 24, Chairman Boley again convened another meeting under the auspices of the National Board, where the four chapter Presidents and five former National Presidents of KSDA were all invited.

It was this meeting which unanimously determined the fate of Mr. Solomon Tardey firing him immediately, based on the gravity of the alleged stealing case. Tardey was also accused of displaying gross disrespect to constituted authority.

Members of the KSDA National Board who participated in the meeting were, Messrs. Nyonbior Al Boley, Chairman, Prof. Yancy Peters Flah, Co-Chairman, Madam Comfort Doely, Secretary and Mr. Robert Dwuye, Member. Other Members of the Board who did not participate in the deliberation were Mr. Wilson Zulu and Mrs. Edith Walo-Smith.

The four chapter Presidents who also participated in the emergency national teleconference meeting were Messrs, Alex Yallah, Pennsylvania, Emmanuel Willie, Missouri, Wilson Quaye, New England and Bennett Branford, Iowa.

Also invited were five former National Presidents, who included Messrs. Chea Tardey, Arthur Quaye, James Youboty, George Karmee and Miss. Mariah Elliot.

Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with the IEN Chairman Boley vowed that “Tarley will be prosecuted in a competent court of jurisdiction, where if found guilty on the charge of theft as suspected, he will give a full account of the Association stolen money.”

“As a matter of fact,” Chairman Boley noted, “Wednesday, December 28, has already been set for Tardey’s prosecution on the charge of theft and if he is found guilty,” Chairman Boley went on, “he will make a full restitution.”

“We will set an example on Solomon Tardey, to make sure this kind of behavior is not repeated by anybody within our community.” The Chairman emphasized conclusively.

In a related development, latest reports coming from the Moses Poker Harris Association in the Americas (MPHAA), say the Association’s Membership is now on edge because Solomon Tarley, is also the Organization’s Financial Secretary.

Since the organization’s last National Convention in Ohio on July 4, this year, Mr Tardey, as Financial Secretary, is yet to turnover nearly five thousand (US$5,000.00) United States dollars of the Association’s money to the National Treasurer, Miss. Grace Gboduo.

An official of Moses P. Harris spoken to on condition anonymity, said although they were not accusing Mr. Tardey of any wrong doing, they are very concerned because Tardey has also being in the possession of the Association’s money since the July 4, National Conventiion.

He disclosed that since nearly five months ago now, whenever Tardey is asked about the money and what is he still waiting for to turn it over the National Treasurer, he usually gives different reasons, a situation which according to him, is now creating serious concern among the (MPHA) Membership.

All efforts by the IEN to get Mr. Tardey’s side of these stories were unsuccessful, as a voice recording says, “welcome to Verizon wireless, the number you dial has been changed, disconnected or is no longer in service. If you feel you have reached this recording in error, please check the number and dial again.” Meantime, our investigation continues.

Meanwhile, the “YEAR 2011 IN REVIEW,” covering the life span of the IEN since its birth in August this year will be published shortly. Watch out for it!

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), welcomes feedback from our readership to any of our publications. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), IS THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), WWW.INDEYE.ORG

TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM-(763) 226-3634-CELL

A sporting organization, the Old Timers’ Association also known as VENTERAN AHBLAWOE, a word in one of Liberia’s dialects (Kru) meaning “WE USE TO PLAY,’ has expanded its activities throughout the twin cities.

The organization which was established only as a sporting organization twelve (12) years ago in 1999, has now begun what has been described as adoption of public parks in the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The newly elected President, Patrick Chea, disclosed that the adoption of public parks means the Association will assume responsibility for their cleaning and maintenance. Prior to his election as President, Mr. Chea served as Vice President and subsequently, Interim President.

President Chea disclosed that his administration has already succeeded in adopting two public parks in the cities of Crystal and Brooklyn Park. He revealed that his administration’s next target is another public park in the city of Brooklyn Center.

The President revealed that the city of Brooklyn Center has already given him a list of other public parks from where he has been given the option of choosing which park his organization intents to adopt.

“Veteran Ahblawoe’s activities” President Chea emphasized, “are not limited to only the adoption of public Parks; as a matter fact,” he went on,”Veteran Ahblawoe has undertaken and completed the renovation of the offices of the Organization of Liberians in Minnesota (OLM).

The organization, over the weekend, striped the entire OLM offices and painted them.  Veteran Ahblawoe also put in new carpet and the offices have been given a complete face-lift and ready for use again by the Minnesota Liberian Community. 

Research by the Independent Eye News (IEN), shows that former leaders of Ahblawoe since the establishment in 1999 are as follows in their sequence of succession. Messrs. Sinoe Wyne, Albert Cooper, Dr. Clarence Yaskey and Kular Parker, (Interim) as the first, second third and fourth Presidents.

The rests were, Messrs. Kerper Dwayan, Oblayan Nyemah, Alvin Brown and current President, Patrick Chea. They are the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth Presidents.

Current officers of the Organization are; Messrs. Patrick Chea, President, Paul Swangba Wilson, Vice President, Jerome Diabe, General-Secretary, William Mwah, Treasurer and Yaya Freeman, Financial Secretary. 

Messrs. George Brown is the Organization’s Choch, while Emmett Cooper is the Team’s Captain and Blamo Johnson is the Team’s Manager.

Other officials include Messrs. Hensen Toe and Albert Sherman, who are in charge of the Membershp Committee, while Messrs. Peter Zakiel, chairs the Social Committee and Morrie Bleah is responsible for Logistics.

Meanwhile, the “YEAR 2011 IN REVIEW” covering the life span of the IEN since its birth in August this year will be published shortly. Watch out for it!

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), welcomes feedback from our readership to any of our publications. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), IS THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR,

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), http://www.indeye.org WWW.INDEYE.ORG

TNYENON59@YAHOOCOM-(763) 226-3634-Cell

The newly elected and subsequently installed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Organization of Liberians in Minnesota (OLM), Mr. Zubah Gayflor Kpanaku, Jr., says he can now reply the Independent Eye News (IEN).

Chairman Kpanaku’s remarks were contained in his prepared speech delivered at his installation program, alone with the entire Membership of the Board of Directors by OLM.

The Chairman was reacting to the Saturday, December 17 story published by the Independent Eye News, under the caption, “3 BATTLE FOR OLM BOARD CHAIRMANSHIP.”

In the story, the Independent Eye News reported the historical pattern of Mr. Kpanaku’s political sojourn within the OLM, since coming to public attention in November of 2009.

The IEN reported that Mr. Kpanaku’s first election to the OLM Board which was held on Monday, November 23, 2009, was won by a razor thin margin of one vote over his closest competitor, Mr. Jerome Zeon Pour.

Mr. Kpanaku got a total of three hundred three (303) votes total , while Mr. Pour got three hundred two (302) votes total thereby securing for himself a seat on the Board of Directors of the OLM Board for the first time.

Kpanaku barely won re-election for his seat on the OLM Board on Monday, November 28, in a coin tossing match, after he tied with Mr. Harris Thursday Meh, at one hundred seventy-four (174) votes total each.

This was why the Independent Eye News was wondering whether or not Mr. Kpanaku’s mojo (charm) will work for him again this time around for the Chairmanship of the OLM Board of Directors.

Indeed, his lucky charm did worked for him again for the third time in sequence, when he won his rebid for the Chairmanship of the OLM Board, by another razor thin margin of one vote, over his challenger, Mr. Bangalee Trawally. The elections were held on Saturday, December 17, 2011.

Kpanaku secured five (5) votes total among his nine Membership Board, while Mr. Trawally got four (4) votes total, thereby losing the chairmanship to Mr. Kpanaku. Kpanaku is to serve as Chairman of the OLM Board until November, 2013 (2 years).

In his speech, Mr. Kpanaku recalled the advice given him by his wife, Mrs. Kulubo Sianeh Koboi-Kpanaku, to whom he has been married for almost twenty-eight (28) years now, to always remain consistent and never to give up whenever things are tough or not.

He quoted her as saying, “when it gets tough, you get tough going; you don’ t turn away.” He revealed how his wife encouraged him to seek re-election for his OLM Board seat saying, “you should run for re-elections and fix it (OLM) or get it smooth.”

“I did run and won by the tossing of a coin and today I believe that I can now answer the Independent Eye News and say yes, my lucky Mojo (charm) has worked again for the third time just maybe for good reasons.” The news OLM Board Chairman emphasized.

He pledged to be a friend of the media adding, “the role of the media is indispensable in the democratic process. We therefore pledge to work with the media in letting our people know, what we are doing, or whether we are doing the right things for which we were elected.”

The Chairman concluded his speech by first commending his wife and family, the Chairman and Members of the OLM Independent Elections Commission (IEC), for what he described as “their sacrificial services to the Minnesota Liberian Community.”

The installation ceremonies were performed by Madam Marie Hayes, former Chair of the Board of Directors of the Organization of Liberians in Minnesota (OLM). The program was held at the offices of the OLM in Broklyn Park on Sunday, December 18.

Meanwhile, the ‘YEAR 2011 IN REVIEW,’ is to be published shortly by the Independent Eye News (IEN), covering its life span since its birth in August 2011. Watch out for it!

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) from its readership. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN) IS THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), WWW.INDEYE.ORG 

TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM-(763) 226-3634-CELL

Nimba County Junior Senator-elect, Thomas Grupee says anything could start in Liberia again because according to him, “there are still guns in the alley, in the bushes everywhere.”

On the endorsement of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf by Nimba County Senior Senator, Prince Yomie Johnson, Senator-elect Grupee explained that there were already media reports quoting Senator Johnson as saying, “he will fight if he did not win the presidential elections.”

Akthough he denied the media reports describing it as “fabricated”and maintaining that at no time did Senator Johnson ever issued any threat of re-launching war, but he seems to imply that the Nimba County Senior Senator’s endorsement was prompted by the media reports.

However, it is worth noting that when Senator Prince Y. Johnson threatened an all out war again, his comments drew the attention of Linda Thompson Greenfield, U. S Ambassador accredited near the Liberian capital, Monrovia, who immediately paid a courtesy call on the Senator.

The U.S Ambassador wanted clarification from the former Warlord and leader of the erstwhile Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL). turned Senator, but Senator Johnson promptly denied the media reports.

Asked to explain the contradiction of Senator Johnson endorsing President Johnson-Sirleaf,  while maintaining that the elections were not truly free and fair, Senator-elect Grupee conceeded the point.

However, he explained that even though Senator Johnson maintains that position nevertheless, ”he took the decision to endorse President Johnson-Sirleaf, in his capacity as Standard Bearer of the National Union for Democracy and Progress (NUDP).”

The Nimba County Junior Senator-elect said he was part of the decision adding, “I must tell you, I was part of that decision. We discussed it and we told him (Senator Johnson) where to go.” He revealed.

“The only surprising thing for me,” he went on, “was not to make the decision the next day, because we had wanted something.” He declared, but did not say what the “SOMETHING” was.

Senator-elect Grupee further explained that when the NUDP Standard Bearer Johnson announced the endorsement of President Johnson-Sirleaf so quickly, they (NUDP partisans) were asking themselves, “how are we going to bargain with the government when we have already given up our barging chips?”

He also narrated that “this fragile peace that we have that is being maintained by the United Nations, it was in the best interest of the Liberian people for someone like Senator Prince Johnson, to come out quickly and take the decision he took.”

The Nimba County Junior Senator-elect then further explained that “Liberia has just come out of a fourteen year old civil war therefore, the endorsement by Senator Johnson, of President Sirleaf, was the prudent thing to do.”

He quickly pointed out saying, “we did it and we did it in the best interest of the Liberian people and in the best interest of peace and we did it with no strains attached. We do not always have to exchange money for peace.” He emphasized.

On the November 7 demonstration at the headquarters of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), which resulted into the murder of Mr. Mamadee Kromah, Senator-elect Grupee said, “we don’t know the exact number of people, but we can say, three.”

“The Police Director was dismissed because of CDC protest.” He added. “We worked hard for CDC that pledged to protest the elections for one month not to do so because it is our innocent lives.” He disclosed.

When asked whether or not he is an American citizen, Senator-elect Grupee who is an American Citizen, made reference to the American Constitution, which accepts dual citizenship and even allows naturalized citizens to hold any public office, except for that of the presidency and vice presidency.

Although the Senator-elect did not quote any specific provision from either the United. States or Liberian Constitutions, research by the Independent Eye News (IEN), shows that Article II, Section I, Clause 5 of the United States Constitution states in part;

“No person except a natural born Citizen of the United States at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the office of President; neither shall any person be eligible to that office who shall not have attained to the age of thirty five years and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.”

The Independent Eye News research results also shows that Article 52 (A) of the Liberian Constitution states in part; “No person shall be eligible to hold the office of President or Vice President unless the person is a natural born Liberian Citizen of not less than 35 years of age.”

It may be recalled that at the onset of the Unity Party led government of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, some Liberians who are naturalized Americans Citizens, were reportedly rejected by the Liberian Senate, because of their dual citizenship, after their names were forwarded by the President for confirmation hearings.

Political Observers are now wondering whether or not Senator-elect Grupee, as an American Citizen himself, will muscle the courage to reject any of his fellow Americans, whose names may be forwarded to the Liberian Senate for confirmation hearing. Liberian laws indeed prohibit dual citizenship.

It is unknown whether or not the Liberian Civil Liberty Groups will equally muscle the courage to challenge the citizenship of Senator-elect Groupee and seek his eviction from the Liberian Senate. Whatever the case, the Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News is concerned that lawmaker are now going to be the law breakers.

Howbeit, as it is usually said in Liberia, in the supreme interest of peace, it is our hope that the Nimba County Junior Senator-elect will use his influence by ensuring the speedy passage of the Liberian dual Citizenship act into law.

Meanwhile, the “YEAR 2011 IN REVIEW,” covering the life span of the IEN since its birth in August this year, will be published shortly. Watch out for it!

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), welcome feedback from our readership to any of our publications. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), IS THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR

INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), WWW.INDEYE.ORG

TNYENON59@YAHOOCOM-(763) 226-3634-CELL